2011 Cleveland Browns Predictions
Since rejoining the NFL in 1999, the Cleveland Browns have only produced two winning seasons and have made just one trip to the playoffs.
The Browns went 5-11 overall in 2010 and 1-5 in division play, but they are optimistic the wins will start to pile up as soon as this season. That’s because they believe in quarterback Colt McCoy.
Offense: The Browns were one of the worst offensive teams in the league in 2010. They ranked 29th in total offense with 289.7 yards per game and 31st in scoring with 16.9 points per contest.
Cleveland’s passing attack really struggled as injuries to Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace thrust McCoy into a starting role. McCoy was 2-6 as a starter last season but played pretty well with the exception of the team’s last two games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh in tough weather conditions.
The Browns ended up 29th in the league with 186.8 yards per game through the air. McCoy completed nearly 61.0 percent of his throws for 1,576 yards with six touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Cleveland’s running game looks to be in good shape with Peyton Hillis toting the pigskin. Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns on a respectable 4.4 yards per carry.
Many felt the Browns should have gone after Julio Jones with the sixth pick in the draft. Instead, they traded down the board for a ton of picks and ended up getting Greg Little in the second round. Little isn’t a burner but has good size and strength.
Tight end Benjamim Watson led the Browns in receiving last year with 68 catches for 763 yards and three touchdowns.
The receiving corps should get a boost if the Browns are successful in getting Josh Cribbs the football more often. He’s a game-breaker.
Cleveland’s offensive line doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. The left side is extremely solid with tackle Joe Thomas, guard Eric Steinbeck and center Alex Mack.
Defense: Cleveland’s stop unit ranked 22nd in the NFL in total defense in 2010 with 350.1 yards allowed per game. It ranked 13th in scoring defense with 20.8 points allowed per contest.
Better run defense is the key to improving on these numbers. The Browns finished 27th in the league with 129.4 rushing yards allowed per game last season.
The Browns are hoping Dick Jauron’s 4-3 scheme will bring improvement against the run. They’re also hoping the additions of tackle Phil Taylor and end Jabaal Sheard will help them take a step forward.
The linebacking unit is solid and should get a lift from the return of D’Qwell Jackson, who missed all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle.
The secondary is anchored by cornerback Joe Haden and safety T.J. Ward. Haden wasted no time making an impact. He led the team with six interceptions last season. Ward led the team with 105 tackles.
Prediction: 3rd Place AFC North – The Browns should be more competitive than they were in 2010 if McCoy makes the kind of progress the coaching staff expects from him. Being more competitive should mean more wins, but the Browns will still figure to be looking up at Super Bowl contenders Baltimore and Pittsburgh. NFL odds makers have listed the Browns at +800 to win the AFC North.
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